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Mental Health Advocate

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You Are Not Alone

—and I don’t just mean that metaphorically; too many struggle silently, scared of judgment or unsure where to seek help. I’ve devoted my life to changing that.

 

As a certified Mental Health First Aider, EmotionalCPR practitioner, and QPR-trained advocate, I share my personal story of loss, healing, and hope on stages across the country to break the stigma and open doors to honest conversation.

 

As an ambassador for NAMI and a partner with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, I’m here to remind you: support is out there, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

 

April Simpkins shared an intimate conversation with Katie Couric about her beloved daughter, Cheslie Kryst, and her battle with a mental illness.

Here is a clip from that interview courtesy of Katie Couric Media.

Resources

Mental Health First Aid

A skills-based training program that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Grassroots mental health organization that provides education and support groups led by people with lived experiences. NAMI has over 600 Affiliate locations nationwide.

Mental Health America

A nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental illness, and providing tools for early identification and intervention.

Emotional CPR

A public health education program that trains people to support others through emotional distress using principles of connection, empowerment, and revitalization.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Provides free, expert guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues to help individuals with mental and physical conditions thrive at work.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

A free, confidential 24/7 support service for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, connecting them to trained counselors via phone, chat, or text.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

A program that trains individuals to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond effectively

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

A U.S. government agency that leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health and reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

Mental Health Innovatin Network (MHIN)

A global community of mental health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working to scale up mental health services worldwide.

April Simpkins shared an unshakable bond with her daughter, Cheslie Kryst, a force of brilliance, beauty, and compassion who, despite a long battle with mental illness, lost that fight on January 30, 2022. That day split April’s life in two: before and after.

April advocates for mental health and fights its stigma with the same fierceness she once used to protect her daughter’s light and now uses to protect others from silence.

April Simpkins and Cheslie Kryst photo

April and Cheslie June 2019

In Honor Of Cheslie

Cheslie touched lives around the world. Her selflessness, compassion, and giving heart left an incredible legacy. Our family is honored to have endorsed the organizations below that have chosen to honor Cheslie by giving to others.

 

Click on the links below to learn more about the scholarships, funds, and generous organizations that have chosen to honor her.  

Cheslie Kryst headshot
NAMI Logo
SHRM Foundation Logo
University of South Carolina Logo
The Dean's List Logo
Wake Forest University School of Law Logo
Poyner Spruil Law Firm Logo

Contact Us

EMAIL

April Simpkins modified logo

PHONE

(704) 927-1490

© 2025 April Simpkins Enterprise, LLC 

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